India is likely to test a sub-scale demonstrator scramjet engine during the third quarter of 2016, parliament was told.

“The testing of sub-scale demonstrator scramjet engine is envisaged as a part of technology demonstration, by mounting it on a two stage solid rocket. This test intends to demonstrate supersonic combustion in flight and evaluate the integrated functioning of the engine,” Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh, who also hold charge of the Space Department, told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

“The preparations for carrying out the test are underway and the test is likely to be conducted in the third quarter of 2016,” he said.

Scramjet engine technology is a complex technology which is yet to be fully proven worldwide. It is envisaged for use in launch vehicle, once the technology attains sufficient maturity.

The technology will be useful only during the atmospheric phase of the flight of launch vehicle and will benefit in bringing down the cost of access to space, by reducing the amount of the oxidiser to be carried along with the fuel, he said.